Cost of Living: Lakewood, CO vs Carlsbad, CA (2026)

Lakewood

Colorado
141
VS

Carlsbad

California
253

Lakewood is 44% cheaper than Carlsbad.

$1,746/mo ↓ 35%
Median Rent
$2,678/mo ↑ 53%
$85,789/yr ↓ 38%
Median Income
$139,326/yr ↑ 62%
$548,200 ↓ 53%
Home Value
$1,156,900 ↑ 111%
$1,729/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$2,801/mo ↑ 62%
156,309
Population
114,500

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
13.3%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

24.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lakewood, CO and Carlsbad, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 141 and 253 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $932/month cheaper in Lakewood, saving renters about $11,184/year.

Median household income is $53,537/year higher in Carlsbad. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lakewood is $548,200 compared to $1,156,900 in Carlsbad.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Lakewood slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lakewood vs Carlsbad — common questions

Is Lakewood or Carlsbad cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakewood is cheaper to live in with an index of 141 compared to 253 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lakewood and Carlsbad?
Median rent in Lakewood is $1,746/month and in Carlsbad it's $2,678/month — a difference of $932/month.
Which city has higher income, Lakewood or Carlsbad?
Median household income is $85,789 in Lakewood and $139,326 in Carlsbad. Median household income is $53,537/year higher in Carlsbad.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and California?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Lakewood or Carlsbad?
It depends on your priorities. Lakewood has a cost index of 141 with median rent of $1,746/mo, while Carlsbad has a cost index of 253 with rent of $2,678/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lakewood details → View Carlsbad details →

More Comparisons

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